MARC Pugh has pledged his 100 per cent commitment to Cherries as speculation continues to mount regarding his future at Dean Court.
Pugh, who recently rejected the club’s offer of a new contract, returned to Canford School for the start of pre-season training yesterday.
The 25-year-old has 12 months to run on his existing deal and boss Paul Groves has conceded the club would “listen to offers” in light of Pugh turning down fresh terms.
Gifted winger Pugh has made no secret of his desire to showcase his talents in the Championship and his contract impasse has alerted a host of clubs.
Former Dean Court boss and current Burnley manager Eddie Howe – who signed Pugh for Cherries from Hereford in 2010 – is understood to be monitoring the situation closely.
Lancastrian Pugh, who started his career in the youth ranks at Turf Moor, has seen his stock rise following two impressive seasons in League One with Cherries.
Championship new boys Charlton and Huddersfield, whose respective managers Chris Powell and Simon Grayson watched Pugh at close quarters last season, are also believed to be tracking him.
Pugh, who lifted the prestigious Micky Cave-Daily Echo supporters’ player-of-the-year award, will be entitled to leave Dean Court for nothing when his current contract expires unless – he has a change of heart and signs a new deal.
However, while boss Groves has said the club would be open to offers, Cherries’ new-found riches leaves them in a position where selling their prize assets is no longer a pressing concern.
Despite the speculation surrounding Pugh, Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has confirmed that no bids have been received for the player.
And when contacted by the Daily Echo following training yesterday, Pugh said: “I have got a year left on my contract and have loved every minute of my time with Bournemouth. I have always given 100 per cent and will continue to do so.
“I am ambitious and have gone on record to say I would like to play in the Championship. I am fully committed to Bournemouth and looking forward to the start of the new season.
“It is a big year for the club and we have come a long way in the short space of time that I have been here. We have got good investment behind us and I can see a bright future for the club.”
Pugh, who topped the scoring, assists and appearances charts for Cherries last season, is expected to feature in the opening friendly of the campaign at New Milton on Wednesday.
Striker Lyle Taylor, released by Cherries in May, has joined Scottish Division One outfit Falkirk on a pre-season tour.
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